Becoming Sober (Page 33)

Originally posted by skibummer 5 years today. Went skiing with my kids. Stoked.

Originally posted by skibummer5 years today.Went skiing with my kids.Stoked.

Originally posted by skibummer 5 years today. Went skiing with my kids. Stoked.

Originally posted by skibummer 5 years today. Went skiing with my kids. Stoked.

Originally posted by SenatorClayDavis Yeah, I certainly haven't been explaining myself for the last six months, just saying "no thanks" and if necessary adding "I'm taking a break from drinking" but, as I'm sure many of you can relate to, I have a reputation as a heavy drinker and my teetotalling has gotten me quite a few raised eyebrows. It's like if the cookie monster swore off cookies, people would be all "what?!"... although I seem to remember hearing that the cookie monster was into vegetables now or something... so maybe it's not that far fetched.

Originally posted by smarti Anyone interested in reviving this thread? After years of back and forth, I' finally have a record-for-me 46 days of no alcohol. I don't know what will happen long term (I'm trying that whole "one day at a time thing"), but for now, I am feeling really good - better sleep; losing weight; more energy to exercise and make healthy food choices; more interest, energy, and patience with my daughter so I'm able to give her the quality attention she deserves; a stronger spiritual connection; a more focused and productive work environment ... the list of benefits goes on and on. I would love to reconnect here, especially with holidays (re: family) coming up. And personally, I have a hard surgery coming up in early December, and I could use all the support possible to make it through that time sane and sober. Hope everyone is doing well!!

Originally posted by ebshot

46 days is amazing!  Congrats!!  How have you done it?

I love this thread.  It is always great to see the success stories of others in our situation.  I have 3+ years sober now and remember posting in this thread very early on in my journey.  It gives me such inspiration to read how other people handle situations.  It would be great to keep this thread alive for the holidays and beyond.  The trifecta of holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's) are upon us and it is often the most difficult time of year for people.  Having extra support is always a great thing.

Originally posted by smarti Thanks for the encouraging words! How have I done it? Failing and continuing to pick myself back up time and time again over the last few years. Also, I have gone to a 12-step program for an eating disorder since 2001, and I finally got sick enough of my cycle of behaviors (binge drink, feel sick and hungover, binge eat, enter shame spiral, repeat) that I began applying that program to my drinking. And I got really honest with myself and my sponsor in that program. For some reason, it seems to have stuck a little better this time. Yes, I feel a TON better mentally, emotionally, and physically. This may sound crazy, but I see a different person when I look in the mirror. Like, not just the physical changes of lost weight and clearer skin, but like my old self has woken back up. I look brighter and healthier, and I think a lot of that is my insides shining out. While I've cut alcohol out completely for now, my husband has cut way back, too, and is also loving the changes in both of us. But we're struggling to find a healthier way to achieve what having drinks on the back porch accomplished - it was our unwinding, downloading, connecting time. We have a 5-year-old daughter, so we're in constant motion from 6am until she goes to bed at 8:30pm. Any ideas of ways to connect and unwind sans alcohol would be appreciated!

Originally posted by smarti

Day 60 for me :-) To be completely honest, it seems like an eternity.

Re: the last comment about drinking lemonade. You're right. It's making that mental switch. Last night, we sat on the couch and drank hot tea and had a needed conversation. I can't say it's comfortable yet. I have a lot of feelings and anxiety that I seem to be scared or unable to articulate, and I guess alcohol used to loosen the tongue and numb the feelings when I needed it.

So today I am struggling. I'm uncomfortable, anxious, and in some emotional pain. I have a big surgery in a couple weeks, and my husband is having some sort of mid-life crisis. I'm talking to my HP and sponsor about it, but I guess I need to learn to sit with uncomfortable feelings without acting. This is hard. It's 8am and I have already thought "Man, I could have a drink - or 17 - or a cigarette right now to take away these feelings." I know it's not the answer, and I'm not going to do it. Just venting ....